[Endoscopic control of gastrointestinal bleeding by sclerosing injections. Application to peptic ulcers and polypectomies (author's transl)].

Three endoscopic methods are available to control gastrointestinal bleeding. Electrocoagulation suffers from two defects: the depth of cauterization is difficult to assess, and removal of the catheter, which sometimes adheres to the tissues, may cause re-bleeding. Laser coagulation is relatively more effective but costly. Sclerosing injections using 1% polidocanol are easier and cheaper. The authors have applied the latter method to 63 cases of gastrointestinal haemorrhage, including 37 peptic ulcers, 4 angiodysplasias of the stomach, 2 cases of Mallory-Weiss syndrome, 1 bleeding erosion and 19 haemorrhages consecutive to the excision of gastric or colonic polyps. Bleeding was stopped in 61 cases and remained under control in 52; it recurred in 9 patients. Two patients required emergency surgery.